Tension as Teacher

The slice of the arrow to the target cuts like a hot knife through butter. It’s the force, velocity, and momentum of the backward pull — the strain to the maximum reach, the ache of the muscles to what seems like it can go no further — that propels it evenly and forcefully toward the target. That backward pull is practice, not devastation. It is steadying and aimed, and when done over and over, not only do the muscles of memory come into play but the very force increases.

Imagine the first outing with the bow and quiver: pulling back then loosing it only a few feet in front of you. If you stopped then, there would never be the satisfaction of the practice, the repetition, and the gaining of the strength and steadiness to reach the target, then the bullseye.

You are on that same trajectory but on many different fields; with many different sets of targets to hit. Each is ready with the arrows awaiting your touch, your attention. Choose the one that is vibrating the most, that is begging for your attention in excitement — just waiting to be used. Choose what feels right, what feels good, and the two of you will work together.

The arrow will not only play a role in your reaching the target — the breath, the seemingly failed attempt, the very target itself — will be magnetized to attract the tip. It will feel easier; you’ll do it out of pleasure rather than condemnation or pressure. You’ll do it just for the fun of it. Choose that bow, that quiver, that path of least resistance and go for it.